by Meredith Schneider | Dec 13, 2017 | wolf tracks
New York-based art rock collective Heroes of Toolik – comprised of Arad Evans (guitar), Jennifer Coates (violin), Moppa Elliott (bass), John Speck (trombone), and Michael Evans (percussion) – has chosen to take the band in a different direction from their previous two album releases. Not only did they add Elliott and Evans to the lineup, but they’ve also added a noticeably more experimental layer to their work that both captivates and encourages the listener. They’ve really brought that to light with a short film they recently released of a studio performance as the official video for their track “Quincunx”.
The word “quincunx” translates to “an arrangement of five things,” so they take that meaning in the most literal sense just being a band together. The band and the word are simple, yet intrinsically complex. The video itself mirrors this concept, as it is a relatively simple live performance but is built of its own instrumental complexities. Bathed in warm light in the heart of summer – June 22nd, 2017, to be exact – Heroes of Toolik find their groove together in a way that just insists on provoking an ambiance. And it’s absolutely beautiful.
Keep up with Heroes of Toolik here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 13, 2017 | wolf tracks
Hinton, West Virginia-based rock phenom Gyasi recently released the intense and fun track “Sugar Mama” for our listening pleasure. The audience benefits from his childhood need to enjoy the classics, as this track sounds like it came right out of the vintage rock n’ roll vault. And that’s an incredible feat, as the instrumental work matches the vocals in talent, wrapping us up in this gorgeous and energetic piece. Check it out below for some fun during your holiday season and beyond!
Keep up with Gyasi here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 13, 2017 | wolf tracks
Los Angeles-based duo Swimsuit Issue – comprised of Miles Garber and David Gagliardi – may have based their name from the fact that Garber’s initial introduction into the entertainment industry was as a relatively prominent model in the fashion world, but that’s not the initial takeaway from their art. In fact, as good looking as both guys are, their career has the ability to stand on its own based purely on their talent. It’s obvious to see why if you just listen to their debut single, a mid-tempo indie pop/rock track whose guitars give it edge while the vocals reside in more of a Kurt Cobain-meets-Sting ethereal sphere, replete with reverb.
The song itself is about addiction, the lyrics melancholic and sensitive, as one would expect. And though the duo has admitted to having a more somber tone to their music, we’re thrilled to hear what’s to come from their upcoming record.
Keep up with Swimsuit Issue here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 12, 2017 | wolf tracks
Los Angeles-based rock quintet We’re No Gentlemen – comprised of Amanda Gabel (vocals), Rikki Juarez (rhythm guitarist), Daniele Boneddu (bass), Vince Gudino (drums), and Dan Schiz (lead guitar) – debuted the official music video for their track “Night” just today. This song wraps you up in intricate guitars while Gabel’s vocals claim a Kelly Clarkson-meets-Amy Lee sound to them, dragging us into this rock ballad with its ferocity and beauty.
The video is no different, directed by Henry Arres and shot with a dim and intense feel to the visuals, as we follow each member of the band through times of stress and turmoil. Between visually stunning shots of each individual’s distraught facial expressions, we get a look into the band’s live performance chops as frames of them playing the song together in a dark room almost hold each story together like a thread of escape from this twisted world and the issues we face.
We’re No Gentlemen is out now. Keep up with We’re No Gentlemen here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 12, 2017 | 5 to 7
Though they started their respective musical endeavors on the same page – they began writing music together at the age of 11, only to pursue different paths beginning in high school – twin sisters Leila and Omnia Hegazy were on opposite ends of the spectrum as they explored music careers independently of each other. But after graduating college in 2012, they chose to combine Leila’s R&B influence and Omnia’s pop rock intensity to create a unique and wonderful sound in a collaborative effort. It was years later, in 2016 shortly after their father passed, that the project now known as Hegazy – their surname chosen in honor of their father – .was born.
Hegazy’s debut EP Young is due out in early 2018. In honor of that news, we fired some questions at the budding stars to get their thoughts on mindfulness, the writing process, and the upcoming release.
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What was the first album or song you remember ever listening to, and who introduced it to you?
Most likely Billy Joel, although we can’t remember which album/song we heard first because our Mom was a super fan and she played ALL of them. We also heard a lot of Oum Kalthoum growing up (renowned Egyptian singer) thanks to our Dad. He was Egyptian and played her music all the time. There’s a classic song called “Alf Leyla Wa Leyla” that every Egyptian knows.
Was there a moment that you realized you had the talent and the drive to pursue music? What is the origin story of Hegazy?
We were both super young when we started singing, probably around five. We were band and chorus geeks all throughout elementary school and beyond, playing clarinet in school band and then taking up instruments outside of school (Omnia learned violin and Leila learned piano). We were eleven when we started writing songs at our great-grandmother’s piano, singing gibberish until it sounded like something. We wrote our first songs together and when Omnia started playing guitar a year later, we started writing separately. Creating on our own made a lot more sense logistically as we got older because we went to different high schools and colleges and weren’t together as often. Leila studied jazz and got into R&B and soul music, while Omnia wrote angsty pop/rock songs on acoustic guitar and flirted with singing in Arabic here and there (our Dad was the language coach throughout that process). So needless to say, we became very different people as we grew up, in personality and musical style. When Leila moved back home from college after graduation, we became roommates again and continued to work separately until at some point our styles started to meet in the soul/pop realm. We started collaborating again, co-billing at shows and sometimes even playing together. After our Dad passed away in late 2015, we decided to officially become a duo under his last name, Hegazy.
We know you work together in homage to your father, and that’s such a beautiful and unique thing to offer. But we do wonder, as twins, is it difficult working together? Are there any quirks or rules to the relationship?
That’s a great question! Twin relationships are really intense, and probably even more intense than that of normal siblings. There are no secrets, and there’s no filter because you’re so comfortable with each other, so it requires a lot of mindfulness to express disagreement constructively, without being too blunt. And because each of us participated in differing musical genres before we became a duo, we definitely have artistic differences when we write songs together. So if one sister doesn’t like the other’s idea, the rule is to sleep on it before ruling it out. A lot of times, one of us will be so opposed to the other’s idea in the beginning, but after sitting with it, she’ll realize that the idea was actually pretty darn good, even if it’s not what she would have opted to do on her own. The power of the pause is real and compromise is so important in order to make any kind of partnership work! We’ll be real with you guys and admit that we are still working on this.
What is your writing process like? Take us inside it all!
Our songs almost always start with melody and chords first, with the understanding that everything is subject to change. Even though we’re a duo, we rarely start writing a song in the same room. We still work on our own, and after coming up with a song, one sister takes those ideas to the other for feedback. Very often, one of us starts a song, and the other finishes it. Sometimes finishing it means completely reimagining it and sometimes, it just means tweaking it, either lyrically or in terms of form. Both of us agonize over lyrics – it’s probably the one thing we argue about most. Regardless of ego, two heads are almost always better than one and we know our music is better for it.
Your debut EP is expected in early 2018. What have you been learning through the production process? Any fun memories or anecdotes?
We had so much fun recording this past summer with such a kickass band and producer. Our producer Jon Seale of Mason Jar Music in Brooklyn did an amazing job of taking our differing influences and bringing them to life in a way that represents both of us. We recorded most of our vocals the same way we practice: facing each other and watching each other’s mouths so that we could match each other with precision. We have of course learned, that everything does take longer than you think it’s going to. Creativity takes time and patience is key. Fun thing: While we were recording, our producer Jon had just gotten an adorable Australian Shepherd puppy. She wasn’t there most of the time because obviously puppies make noise, but seeing her always made our day.
What do you think is the most important advice you have ever gotten regarding your music?
Our Dad was the one who constantly suggested that we work together and like typical teenagers, we didn’t listen at the time. But he is the reason we are a duo today. We know he’s up in the clouds somewhere saying he told us so.
Anything else you’d like to add?
We released two singles with music videos this Fall called “Alive” and “Here to Stay” and we are so passionate about both of them. “Alive” was written about quitting a day-job to pursue music, and for the video we actually followed around 5 real people with a camera crew as they went about their jobs and their passions. We wanted to show that how people pay their bills isn’t necessarily who they are. This video is so New York, and so us.
Our recent single “Here to Stay” is political satire about xenophobia in America and the video features the most adorable child cast. As Arab-American women, we have a lot to say about what is going on in the US right now in terms of the Muslim Ban, the removal of DACA, and anti-immigrant sentiment in general. We felt a moral responsibility to speak up through our music, and couldn’t have made a record during these crazy times without acknowledging the hateful rhetoric that has been normalized in the past few years. But the song/video is actually really uplifting and playful, despite how serious this topic is. We had a small, but amazing film crew for both videos, and we need to shout out our director Steph Ching, who took our concepts and ran with them in the most beautiful way. These projects truly came from our hearts and we’re so proud of them.
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Keep up with Hegazy here!
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 11, 2017 | wolf tracks
On the hunt for a feisty, upbeat track to really keep you going while you’re at your desk today? We can’t think of anything better than electro pop artist Madison‘s relatively new – and infinitely inspiring – single “Hustle”. Starting with a bass line that really brings a raw strength to a largely pop-infused electronic track, we’re met with the feeling that there is much more to this song than one spin will lead you to believe. Let yourself get carried away in the trance-like sounds of “Hustle”. It’s fierce, enigmatic, and intense.
Keep up with Madison here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 8, 2017 | 5 to 7
Molly DeWolf is one of those outstanding artists that immediately leaves a positive impact wherever she goes. Not only is her debut single something of a stunner, but she also attended Harvard, where she was the director of the school’s oldest co-ed a cappella group. And that’s not it! She appeared on season 10 of American Idol and went on to build RYOT, which eventually sold to Huffington Post. After a brief hiatus from her own music during those times she was off being a genius, DeWolf has now found a seamless and unique approach to the industry that allows her to create from an authentic place.
Explains DeWolf of her debut single: “The idea behind ‘8 Seconds’ is knowing someone for years, being in and out of each others’ orbit, and then all of a sudden they become your person, which mirrors my own experience and current relationship. That’s a beautiful notion to me, that ‘lighting and timing’ are the primary factors dictating your life and who you end up with, as an ex lover used to say. I’m fascinated by the idea of fate vs coincidence.”
In honor of the release of “8 Seconds”, we took a few minutes to chat with DeWolf about inspiration, motivation, and, of course, the holidays.
What was the first album or song you remember ever listening to, and who introduced it to you?
I remember my nanny ChaCha introducing me to Bohemian Rhapsody when I was about 6 years old. I was obsessed with the song and wanted to listen to / sing it all the time. My 3 year old brother became a huge fan also, because he wanted to be me when he grew up, so when he wasn’t in Batman or Superman costumes he was wearing my dresses I’d grown out of. Obviously neither of us at the time appreciated the irony of that flamboyant anthem being our soundtrack, but if I remember correctly, there are some hilarious home video VHS tapes of us from that era.
You have one of the most interesting backstories we have ever heard, to be honest. Do you mind recapping it a bit for our readers?
Yeah… let’s see. Seattle to Harvard to White House to American Idol to Philanthropic Consulting to startup news organization that pivoted to documentary films and VR/AR, sold to HuffPost/AOL, to Venture Partner making tech investments and back to music again…
Without context, my resume probably seems like I’ve been like playing Pin The Tail On The Donkey: Career Edition. It’s such a random assortment. Truth be told, most of my decisions have been made based on who I want to spend my time with more than what I want to spend my time doing. When i meet someone who inspires me, my first instinct is to try and figure out ways of working with them. That inspiration has clearly not been limited to one industry, city or sector.
Your first track off your debut EP is titled “8 Seconds” and it is nothing short of stunning. What inspired this track, specifically?
Wow, thank you. I’m so humbled by people’s response to it.
I actually wrote it with the intention of performing / presenting the song as a gift at a dear friend’s wedding. The story behind their relationship, which I watched go from friends to soulmates in what seemed like a few moments, mirrored my own romantic situation somewhat, so I was able to write from the dual perspective of firsthand participant and active observer.
I’m fascinated by coincidence and the way we infuse meaning in hindsight. We are pattern seeking animals, and I think that’s at the root of how and why we believe what we believe, especially when it comes to love.
What was the writing process like for this song and the upcoming EP? Has it developed or changed since your first foray into the music world? You seem to be in a better place, destined to create music with more meaning and that has a purpose for you.
After Idol, I told myself I had no interest in participating in the music industry. For years, this was the internal logic preventing me from creating, even though I felt pangs of remorse just about every day that I wasn’t. The writing of the EP felt cathartic in a number of ways, not the least of which was in dismantling the years of self-doubt and textbook insecurities.
I have to give credit where it’s due to the BRÅVES boys, who became friends and then incredible collaborators. Johnny What in particular, turned five stark piano & vocal tracks into something entirely else. They are so talented.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten?
Everything in moderation, even moderation.
Doing anything fun this year for the holidays?
For the first time ever, I think I’ll be in LA! Even though I’ve lived here for almost 7 years, I’ve been traveling every holiday season. Cuba last year, other years Mexico, China, home in Seattle, everywhere but my current, chosen home. I’ve also been on planes just about every week of 2017, so I’m actually really excited to just be here.
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Keep up with Molly DeWolf
here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 8, 2017 | wolf tracks
Garage rock/power pop collective The Hell Yeah Babies – comprised of Mike Pfeiffer, Julian Ames, Dylan Roth, and Sam Paxton – might call Astoria, New York home, but we’re thinking that just might change if they continue in the direction they’ve been going. Their first release was just last year, and they’ve already developed
We always talk about how songs make us feel like we’re a part of New York City nightlife, but “Grenadine Nosebleeds” was actually written about New York City nightlife. While the band croons “I don’t wanna go home,” we get lost in surf-like guitar riffs that somehow – mysteriously – make us feel like we’re dancing around the city in the summertime. Which is quite a departure from the cold, winter vibes we’ve been tripping all over as of late. It’s got this anthemic feel to it, and by the end of it you feel like you’re claiming your own dance territory in the face of opposition.
Aggressive, beautiful, fun.
“Grenadine Nosebleeds” is out now. Keep up with The Hell Yeah Babies here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 7, 2017 | wolf tracks
Portland-based experimental musicians Spencer Doran and Ryan Carlile have found somewhat of a theatrical and entertaining sound together with their project Visible Cloaks. The duo utilizes “software-based composition rooted in randomization, MIDI-translation and chance operations” to achieve their sound, which takes you on a journey traversing delicate, primal yet futuristic, intense soundscapes in their new release Lex, which officially drops December 8th.
Beginning with “Wheel”, you slowly find that the gentle instrumentals make you feel like you’re almost spinning, with the tempo and way the weight shifts from emphasizing one note to the next. “Frame” is percussion-led, providing that primal, lush sound we often associate with far off countries. And “Transient” is the literal translation and embodiment of its title, which beautifully expresses itself at just over two minutes.
“Keys” is the first track to include any type of vocalization, though it is actually comprised of a made up language. Admits Doran, “The idea – building on ‘fourth world’ or ‘global village’ type concepts – was to create a projected language that was a fusion of many. The result was a very disorienting form of non-language that amplifies the lapses in meaning that occur with the inaccuracy of auto-translation software.” But we’re completely distracted by the beautiful wind chime-like feeling to the instrumentals. The title track – in direct contrast to its predecessors – is composed using piano-like sounds, which strangely adds a feeling of nostalgia to it. The duo expertly rounds it all out with “World”, an aptly titled track that really seems to nail it, including sound effects that resemble sounds you’d expect to hear from different cultures across the world mixed in with effects that sound more earthy and primal as well. (Can’t you hear the ocean in there?) It really puts the listener in a worldly mindset, to correctly transition into their day.
Suggestion: Meditation music.
Lex is out December 8th and is available for preorder now. Keep up with Visible Cloaks here.
